Category: Politics

Constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. This is clearly a pre-election stunt by the Republicans. Thankfully it failed in the senate. At a time when issues like the worsening Iraq crisis should be getting max attention, its a pity that such (needlessly divisive) issues are being unneccessarily dragged to the forefront. Having failed twice in two years, it probably in the best interest of the country that this issue not be brought up again.

Saw the last debate between Steve Westly and Phil Angelides. I must admit, neither of these candidates appear to have what it takes to beat Arnie. Angelides has a Gray Davis like presence while Steve Westly comes across as a John Edwards like candidate with and added negative of a “deer in headlights” look particularly when he looks ito the camera!

Between the two Democratic aspirants, given that there are no filmstars (!) in the fray, it might be best for the party to support Steve Westly. The man is a Silicon Valley product and has made his money. He can match Arnie’s “I am an outsider, I don’t need no money from special interests” stand even if he can’t compete on name recognition. Besides, having a valley man in the Governor’s mansion might just be what the valley, California and to some extent the US needs to bring back even the partial economic glory days of the 90s.

At the last recall election, Arnie rode his outsider image, his filmstar popularity and Gray Davis’ fall from grace, to come to power. This time around, he appears to be far better prepared after his Sacremento experience. He is far more capable today to fight a conventional battle including a debate or two to win the election. I saw Arnie speak recently at a public event and I felt that he had come a long way. He gave a stump speech without refering to any notes. He did a fine job of staying on message. With experience he is proving to be a very astute politician. Besides, he is riding high from his budget surplus gains. At the present moment, he seems very likely to win re-election.

One of the recent issues of the Time mag had Gen Michael Hayden on the cover. And guess what the title was? It reads, “Does this man have your phone number?”

I couldn’t help laughing! In this midst of the NSA wire-tapping scandal it is understandable that opponents of the Govt. accuse it of wrong doing, tapping phone calls of innocent Americans etc. But the press takes the cake for exaggeration, sensationalism and a desperate attempt to inject paranoia into everyday lives of Americans. The press makes it sound like Gen Hayden is walking around with a Palm full of phone numbers!

The wire-tapping issue is one of those “Damned if you do, Damned if you don’t” issues where the Govt. can never win. On the one hand, the Govt. has to protect further attacks. On the other any kind of surveillance is bound to be criticized. Its simply impractical for the the Govt. to have formally announced the wire-tapping plan and taken everyone’s blessing before launching it!

Gen Hayden seems headed for confirmation in any case. It makes no sense to have a long drawn battle over this nomination, especially when the Democrats don’t have the numbers to push back.

Cheney-Rumsfeld: Long time buddies

Check out this article about Cheney’s recent speech at LSU (graduation ceremony). It just confirms that its virtually impossible for Rumsfeld be dumped as long as Cheney is around. Nice to read that Cheney at least has a sense of humor. Haven’t come across anything to this effect since the start of this administration.

Senator McCain: Kissing up to the Conservatives

Senator McCain was booed at his speech in at NY’s New School. It is understandable given that he has lately been busy playing politics to gear up for his Presidential bid. Despite being a war veteran with the image of “straight shooter” he has been actively supporting the war in Iraq. Hats off to the students for their bold speeches. It take plenty of guts and conviction!

Immigrant workers staying away from work on Mon had one positive effect yesterday in the bay area — less traffic on the freeway! In any case, the “strike” has given the much needed immigration reform greater visbility. However, given that it is an election year, its unlikely that it will turn into any concrete legislation.

President Bush picked conservative commentator Tony Snow as his White House press secretary. Given his sinking approval ratings this seems like a desperate attempt to win over the press and thereby beef up his ratings. Despite being hailed as a sounded strategy by many, I suspect this is going to backfire. While Tony Snow knows what the press wants, I am not sure he will be able to deliver it once his constraints of operating within the White House become apparent. As a commentator he probably had a lot of freedom to speak his mind. Unfortunately, as Press Secretary his opportunity to do so is going to be limited and might frustrate him and fail to meet the President’s goals. This transition might not be easy. Besides given his background he has expressed views on so many issues that he might have a hard time dissociating himself from them while striving to do justice in his new role. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.